Goodbye 2009...

Today, December 31, it’s time, for me, to make the year balance. I spent the last twelve months for the production of ‘The sweet hand of the White Rose’. The new short will be ready on 2010. Although I didn’t have to much free time, these are the most important informations: my penultimate short (‘The Puzzle’) has been screened in the italian television and it’s also been selected for five festival finals. The reviews are 21 (12 of them are from US) and the interviews are 3. I also opened the blogs of my first two shorts: ‘Amore Estremo’ and ‘La Sceneggiatura’. Now I’m planning the future film…
Happy New Year to everyone!

The italian blog of 'La Sceneggiatura'

A few month ago, I opened a blog of my first short, called 'Amore Estremo' ('Extreme Love'). Well, now the blog of my second short, called 'La Sceneggiatura' ('The Screenplay') is available too. In there, you can find a lots of informations, pictures, curiosity, etc. The blog is in italian language.
Enjoy.

'The sweet hand of the White Rose' - Official Poster

Like I promised, today I've put up the poster (created by Daniel Tamayo) of my new short movie. You can also read below the technical data. The short will be ready for the beginning of 2010.
MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone!

Some news before Christmas

A new review of 'The Puzzle' came out on "The movies made me do it". I'm a little bit surprise, because it's the first time that someone criticises the audio (it was muffled). The truth is that we have converted the movie on NTSC format and I really don't know if we lost quality (I can't watch it in a normal dvd player!). This point is very important for me, because my new short will be available on PAL and NTSC format too. We'll see anyway... Push here to read the review. You can also find some informations about 'The Puzzle' on "The Horror Section" (push here and go at the end of the page) and "Quelli che il venerdí" (push here). I remember that tomorrow, I'll put up the official poster of 'The sweet hand of the White Rose' and the technical data.
¡FELIZ FIESTAS!

Working...

What will I do in the future? After 'The sweet hand of the White Rose', which will be my next film? It's time to plan the job for the next year! So I start to work on that. I have some projects in my mind... Anyway on December, 25, I'll put up the official poster and the technical data of the new short.

Today is the night!

'The Puzzle' will be screened this evening at 23:20 on "Coming Soon Television" (Sky - Channel 180). The short will be also screened again, tomorrow at 12:00 and at 20:30. I want to say thanks to Ezekiel Montes (producer), Cachito Noguera (actress) and Alessandro Fornari (actor), Biktor Kero (editor) and all the people that worked in the project.
Watch the short, in streaming, here and enjoy the night!!!

'The Puzzle' - A new review

This time is Chuck Conry that talks about 'The Puzzle' on the american web site, called "Zombies don't run". For reading his review, just push here. Thanks a lot, Chuck!

Two words about 'The Puzzle'

You can find some words about 'The Puzzle' in these american web sites: "Hey! Look Behind You" (push here to read it) and "The Wit and Weirdness of Al Bruno III" (push here to read it).
Yesterday I've spoken to Christian Valente about the sound of the new short and he said to me that everything will be ready for the beginning of the new year.
Soon other news.

'The Puzzle' - A new review

Hello again! I'm writing today, for informing that 'The Puzzle' has been reviewed by "Bloofer Lady" on the web called "Horror Crypt". Push here to read it. American people continue to show their love for my short. Thanks again!

'The Puzzle' in television

I'm happy to say that 'The Puzzle' will be screened in the italian television! It will be possible watching my short on "Coming Soon Television" (Sky - Channel 180), the next thursday at 23:20 and friday at 12:00 and at 20:30.

Interview on "Dollar Bin Horror"

Hello! I'm here, this time, for informing that a new interview of mine, came out yesterday on the web, called "Dollar Bin Horror". This is my first american interview! I want to say thanks to Rhonny Reaper, to give me this opportunity. For reading it, just push here.

'The Puzzle' in Philadelphia

It's difficult to explain how I'm feeling now. I'm really, really, really happy that 'The Puzzle' continues its incredible way! I can't believe that this short (less than 5 mintes!) can go so good and can arrive so far. This time is Alison Nastasi that talks on the horror web, called "Screamstress", about my short. Her review is available here.
Go also to visit "Horror Squad", a web about giallo films. In there, you can read the reviews, always written by Alison Nastasi, of some important giallo movies, like 'Seven notes in black', 'Black sabbath' and 'Giallo Bathing'.

Another good review came out on the italian blog, called "Oltre il fondo". Read it here.

Thanks everybody for the wonderful words about me. Soon other news, reviews and... my first american interview!

'The Puzzle' disembarks to Brookline

The writer Andre Dumas wrote a new review of 'The Puzzle' on her web, called "The Horror Digest". I'm really, really proud when american people show their love for my short. Thank you, Andre, for the beautiful words and I hope you will enjoy, in the future, my new short too! You can read the full review here. Enjoy!

The video is completed!

Yesterday, I met with José Antonio Crespillo and Habacuc Rodríguez, in the "Black Diamond" production, for working on the colour effects. I'm proud to say that the video is completed for good! Now we have just to wait the sounds and musics by Christian Valente.
Soon the original poster will be available on the blog!
You can also find the trailer of 'The Puzzle' on the american web, called "Film Gurl". For watching it, just push here.

'Visioni Gotiche' on "Darkitalia"

'Visioni Gotiche', the band that played the music of 'The Puzzle', have made an interview on "Darkitalia". Push here to read it. It's always with pleasure talking about someone that knows how to work good. Well done!

'The Puzzle' - Review nº 25!

A new review of 'The Puzzle' came out yesterday on the italian blog, called "L'abitatore del Buio". I'm very proud about that, because it has been written by Fabio Marangoni, a young italian horror and mystery writer. Push here to read the review and enjoy.
This thursday I've an appointment with José Antonio Crespillo (D.O.P.) for beginning to work on the colour effects.
Soon other news.

News on 'Splattergramma's web site

If you want to read what 'Splattergramma' (an italian horror site) said about 'The sweet hand of the White Rose', just push here.

"Il Puzzle insanguinato" ("The bloody Puzzle")

I like the new review headline about 'The Puzzle', that has come out today. Push here to read it.
Soon other news.

'The Puzzle' - A new review

A new american short review, has come out on 'Jaded viewer''s site. For reading it, just push here.

HALLOWEEN NIGHT

URBAN LEGEND

Stingy Jack was getting chased by some villagers from whom he had stolen, when he met the Devil, who claimed it was time for him to die. However, the thief stalled his death by tempting the Devil with a chance to bedevil the church-going villagers chasing him. Jack told the Devil to turn into a coin with which he would pay for the stolen goods (the Devil could take on any shape he wanted); later, when the coin/Devil disappeared, the Christian villagers would fight over who had stolen it. The Devil agreed to this plan. He turned himself into a silver coin and jumped into Jack's wallet, only to find himself next to a cross Jack had also picked up in the village. Jack had closed the wallet tight, and the cross stripped the Devil of his powers; and so he was trapped. In both myths, Jack only lets the Devil go when he agrees never to take his soul. After a while the thief died, as all living things do. Of course, his life had been too sinful for Jack to go to heaven; however, the Devil had promised not to take his soul, and so he was barred from hell as well. Jack now had nowhere to go. He asked how he would see where to go, as he had no light, and the Devil mockingly tossed him an ember that would never burn out from the flames of hell. Jack carved out one of his turnips (which was his favourite food), put the ember inside it, and began endlessly wandering the Earth for a resting place. He became known as "Jack of the Lantern", or Jack-o'-Lantern.

FROM ROSENTHAL TO ZOMBIE: THE NEW H2

1981 - Halloween II, written by John Carpenter and Debra Hill and directed by Rick Rosenthal.

It's a direct sequel to the first film: set on the same night of October 31, 1978, in the fictional American Midwest town of Haddonfield, the seemingly indestructible Michael Myers follows his intended victim Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) to a nearby hospital while Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasence) is still in pursuit of his patient.

2009 - H2: Halloween II, written, directed, and produced by Rob Zombie.

The film is a sequel to Zombie's 2007 remake of Halloween (1978), and the tenth film in the Halloween film series. Picking up where Halloween ended, and then jumping ahead one year, H2 follows Laurie Strode (Scout Taylor-Compton) as she deals with the aftermath of the previous year's events, Dr. Loomis (Malcolm McDowell) who is trying to capitalize on those events by publishing a new book that chronicles everything that happened, and Michael Myers (Tyler Mane) as he continues his search for Laurie so that he can reunite with his sister.


HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO EVERYBODY!!!!!

'The Puzzle' - A new review

Go to read the new review of my penultimate short film, made by Simone Corà on "Midian's blog". This review came out two months ago, but I know about it only today. Why? Because there is a mistake about my surname (it's happened sometimes...). Thanks for the beautiful words, Simone. I hope you can like my new film too.

'Amore Estremo' - Trailer 2009

Here you can watch the new theatrical trailer of my first short film, called 'Amore Estremo'. The video has been realized by Roberto Micalizzi.
Good job!

The italian blog of 'Amore Estremo'

I've recently thought to talk a bit about all my movies and for this reason, I opened a blog of my first short, called 'Amore Estremo' ('Extreme Love'). In there, you can find a lots of informations, pictures, curiosity, etc. Now, I'm waiting the new theatrical trailer, by Roberto Micalizzi. The blog is in italian language.
Now some news, about 'The sweet hand of the White Rose': Miguel Serón has, finally, finished the visual effetcs and this saturday, I've an appointment with Biktor Kero, for completing the video. The next step will be working on colour effetcs and making the theatrical trailer. Meanwhile, in Rome, Christian Valente is working on the sounds and musics.
Soon the fantastic movie poster, made by Daniel Tamayo.

Tobin Bell is 'Jigsaw' again!

Saw VI, which began shooting on March 30, 2009, will be released in theaters on October 23, 2009. This six chapter is directed by Kevin Greutert, who has been the editor on all the past Saw films to date. Here the plot (from imdb):
"Special Agent Strahm is dead, and Detective Hoffman has emerged as the unchallenged successor to Jigsaw's legacy. However, when the FBI draws closer to Hoffman, he is forced to set a game into motion, and Jigsaw's grand scheme is finally understood".
Enjoy!

News

Hello! I haven’t post anything for a long time, but it's just because nothing happens to me since my last post. This week we should finish the digital effects (by Miguel Serón). After that, we will finally work on the colour effetcs, with José Antonio Crespillo. I also want give the welcome to Daniel Tamayo, new grapich designer. He's going to replace Francisco Rodríguez.

Dubbing the movie

The last saturday we worked on the dubbing and we've finished the english and spanish versions. We also recorded the trailer voice (the official trailer will be only in english).
This week we should finally complete the poster.

Interview for "Gufetto Magazine"

Today it's come out a new interview that I made for "Gufetto Magazine" (http://www.gufetto.it/cms/index.php/Cinema-interviste/Intervista-al-regista-Davide-Melini.html). Thanks for the nice words about me: I'll try to not disappoint you!
About the new short, we are always working in the post-production. I want to give the welcome to Christian Valente (sound mixer): he will work with us directly from Rome.

All the news

These are the most important news:
1. Tomorrow evening, Carlos Bahos and Natasha Machuca will dub the film in spanish language.
2. Biktor Kero finished the editing and now he's working on the credits.
3. Miguel Serón started to work on the visual effects (3D).
4. Sunday we should finish all the sound and music with Alejandro Martín.
5. Francisco Rodríguez is still working on the poster.
6. The color effetcs has been delayed for a couple of weeks.

Work, work and work...

In these days, we are very busy with the post-production- These are the most important news: Biktor Kero is finishing the edit, Alejandro Martin is working on the sound and Francisco Rodríguez is designing the poster. The next week we should correct the color with José Antonio Crespillo and sunday 30 of August we have the appointment for dubbing the movie.
I'm very happy, until now, about the result.

'The Puzzle' - A new review

A new review came out two days ago. This time is "Gufetto Magazine" to review 'The Puzzle' (http://www.gufetto.it/cms/index.php/Cinema-Speciali/The-Puzzle.html) and to talk about 'The sweet hand of the White Rose' (http://www.gufetto.it/cms/index.php/Cinema-Speciali/La-dolce-mano-della-rosa-bianca.html).
Soon other news.

A new review and interview

Go to read the last review about 'The Puzzle' that came out today on the italian horror web, called "Thefear" (http://www.thefear.it/). They made me an interview (http://www.thefear.it/news%20approfondimenti/interdavidemelini.html) where I also talk about 'The sweet hand of the White Rose'.
Tomorror I've a meeting with Alejandro Martín for speaking about the sounds and music.

Post-production - First steps

The post-production began three days ago and we already have the film editing. Of course, it's just the base upon which working. This month will be very busy, with the editing, color effects, dubbing, sound and music, ect. We are just in the beginning!

Interview with Casabermeja's mayor

Some weeks ago, Casabermeja's television made me an inteview. Today it was our turn and so we interviewed the Casabermeja mayor, Antonio Domínguez. With him, we also talked about the premiere. We'll include all the specials and interviews in our making off, realized by Alberto Cuevas. This sunday, we'll begin the editing: go for it!

First feelings...

Today, I've been, with Alessandro Fornari and Biktor Kero, to watch the shootings of the new short. After 1 month, I was very curious... actually, I have to say that the first feelings are very good. I'm satisfied more or less about everything I saw: shots, lights, actings, etc. The editing is beginning on August and I'm sure we'll make a great job.

First official stills

"Indie Horror" published some official stills about the new short. Go here to watch:
http://indie.horror.it/2009/07/work-in-progress-la-dolce-mano-della-rosa-bianca-3/

The "MystFest" final

Tomorrow, 11 of July, there is the final of "MystFest". Here you can find the full program:
http://www.mystfest.com/documenti/programma-2009.pdf
'The Puzzle' will partecipate in web section's final:
http://www.mystfest.com/corti-in-gara-web.php
Good luck!

Gordiano Lupi talks about 'The Puzzle'

The well-known writer Gordiano Lupi wrote, yesterday, a new review about 'The Puzzle'. In his article, he also talked about me and all my movies (from the first 'Extreme Love' to the latest 'The sweet hand of the White Rose'). Go to read it on:
http://www.tellusfolio.it/index.php?lev=85&cmd=v&id=9104 and
http://www.lankelot.eu/index.php/2009/07/08/melini-davide-the-puzzle/#comment-48343

News

About 'The sweet hand of the White Rose': we postponed the editing on August. In the meanwhile, we are organizing the dubbing, the original poster, the official web site, etc.
About 'The Puzzle': some new reviews are coming out in a few weeks.
Soon other news.

Efata Festival 2009 - Awards ceremony

Like I promised on May, I'm writing (now that I have some free time...) about the night in which 'The Screenplay' won the award as 2nd best film on
"Efata Festival 2009" (http://www.cortometrajescristianos.com/).

(In the picture, between me, the actors Matteo Pianezzi and Claudia Nicosia).
The ceremony was pretty good and I'm really proud about the award, because it's not easy winning, if your movie speaks another language. The only thing I didn't like, was that the dvd player didn't read good the movie sound. This is the jury verdict (in spanish): "El segundo premio ha sido para el corto "El Guión" de Davide Melini. El autor, afincado en España, es un maestro en crear climas inquietantes. Porque nos muestra una realidad muchas veces desconocida que suele pasar inadvertida, aunque sus consecuencias son palpables en la sociedad. Porque creemos que es un autor que seguramente va a dar mucho que hablar."

Below, you can watch the awards ceremony's night.

This video is also available on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8BlnfzfvXQ.

Francisco Rodríguez is the graphic design

Francisco Rodríguez (still photographer) will work also as graphic design. After his great 'The Puzzle''s poster, he will create 'The sweet hand of the White Rose''s poster and official web page too. Yesterday I talked to him and he was well-motivated. In the end, the post production will begin on July. Soon other news.

It's over!

I'm very happy to say that yesterday we finally finished the shootings. Now we need to "cut off power" and relax. All the post-production (editing, trailer, web site, stills, etc.) will begin on July. I want to give thanks to all the people and institutions that worked in the project. Thanks again guys: we made a wonderful and impressive job!

The last day!

Tomorrow it is our last day of shootings. I hope we will not find any surprise (about the weather), this time... Go to read two news that came out from "Escuola Superior de Artes Escenicas de Málaga" (http://esaem.wordpress.com/2009/05/30/rodaje-de-un-corto-con-alumna-de-la-esaem-como-protagonista/) and Casabermeja's official web site(http://www.casabermeja.es/pagina.asp?cod=862).
Go for it!

'The Puzzle' on "MystFest"

'The Puzzle' has been selected for the final of "MystFest - CortoGiallo" (http://www.mystfest.com/corti-in-gara.php). This important festival was born on 1973 and the main subject is the "Thriller and Mystery".
Good luck for this new final!

14 of June

The last shooting day will be on 14 of June. We are going to shoot in the Park of Málaga and in Casabermeja's cementery. Ready to finish!!! Meanwhile go to read the article that "Escuola Superior de Artes Escenicas de Málaga" published on http://www.esaemalaga.com/detalle_noticias.php?id_noticia=84
Below you can see others movie's pictures.

1. The church.

2. Fernando Moleón (steadicam operator) shoots Carlos Bahos.

3. María García makes up Natasha Machuca.

4. Carlos Bahos and Natasha Machuca.

4. Lights and rain rehearses.

'The Talkatives''s concert

While we are arranging the last shooting's day, some news, about the short, came out in Italy (http://indie.horror.it/2009/05/work-in-progress-la-dolce-mano-della-rosa-bianca-2/) and in Spain (http://www.casabermeja.es/noticias/ficha.asp?not=610).
I have also to add that 'The Talkatives' hold a very deep concert, yesterday night. Below, you can find some pictures of them.

Sunday without problem

After been very unlucy the last friday and saturday, we didn't have any problem on sunday, where we cleverly shot in the pub. There were all the crew and a lots of extras. We really made a great job. Now we have just to arrange one more shooting's day. Below, you can find a few pictures.

1. 'The Talkatives'.

2. Leocricia Sabán as 'Mary'.

3. Carlos Bahos as 'Mark'.

4. Still: the disco.

Cover set!

We have had to postpone the shootings, because it was raining. Now we have to find a new data for realizing the final day. Damn!!! I can't believe!!! Tomorrow, anyway, we'll work in a pub.

Final step!

After a relaxing week, we are ready to shoot again. In this weekend, we'll shoot in Casabermeja's cementery, in a park and in a pub. You can see and enjoy, some pictures that Francisco Rodríguez (our still photographer) made the last week.

1. From left to right: Carlos Bahos (actor), Davide Melini (director), Fernando Moleón (steadicam operator) and José Antonio Crespillo (cinematographer).

2. Carlos Bahos as 'Mark'.

3. Carlos Bahos as 'Mark'.

4. Natasha Machuca as 'The Kid'.

The first step went away!

The first shootings week passed very good. Although in the first day we have had some problem (in particular, because there wasn't enough production), in the others days everything have been fine. I'm very happy for all we shot, even if I cut some shots. The crew worked very hard and the actors made a wonderful performance. Yesterday the Casabermeja's television came to shoot and make some interview to us. I have also to add that in these days, two news, about the short, came out on "Málaga Film Office" (http://www.malagafilmoffice.com/noticia.php?noticia=218) and "La Zona Morta" (http://www.lazonamorta.it/view.php?id=1060).
Ready for the second and final step!

Ready to shoot!

Tomorrow, 15 of may, will begin the shootings of my new short. I'm very optimist, because I know that we can make a very good job. It's show time!!!!

'The sweet hand of the White Rose' - Official Cast

It's time now to reveal the official cast of the short: I want to give the welcome to:

CARLOS BAHOS (AS MARCOS)
Carlos was born in 1979, on Málaga.

FILMOGRAPHY
- 'Espejos', by Carlos Vallejo;
- 'Arrayan' (TV serie);
- 'Rocío Casi Madre' (TV serie);
- 'Ponme una nube Rocío' (TV serie);
- 'SOS Estudiantes' (TV serie);
- 'Clandestinos', by Antonio Hens;
- 'Calles de fuego', by Ismael Morillo.


NATASHA MACHUCA (AS THE KID)

Natasha was born in the 1998, on Málaga. She's studing acting on "Colegio Salliver". For the first time on the screen.

LEOCRICIA SABÁN (AS MARY)
Leocricia was born in the 1988, on Málaga and she studied "Escuela Superior de Arte Escenicas".

FILMOGRAPHY
- 'Aparentemente perdecta', by Julio García;
- 'Versus', by herself;
- 'La playa roja', by Fernando Díaz.

The shootings will begin the next friday (14th of May).
Go for!

'The Screenplay' - 2nd best film in "Efata Festival"

It's always more difficult finding the time for writing, because we are always more near to the shooting's day. But this time I must find some free time, because I've an important new: I'm very happy to annunce that 'The Screenplay' won the second prize of "Efata Festival" 2009. I want to give thanks to all the actors (Matteo Pianezzi, Claudia Nicosia and Filippo Panunzi), to all the crew (Roberto Micalizzi, Andrea Veracini, Niccoló Palomba, Alessandro Fornari, Nicola Mariano, Diego Prestopino, Matteo Vaterlini, Emmanuele and Andrea Mazziotti) and to all the institutions that supported the project. While now, I've to prepare all the lead story, you can see some unpublished pictures. In the end, I want dedicate this prize to a very good friend of mine, that disappeared the last year; a friend that always trusted on me and that this short is the last job we made together: Rosario Prestopino! Soon the award ceremony's video.


Claudia Nicosia (actress) and Matteo Pianezzi (actor).

Matteo Vaterlini (grip) and Alessandro Fornari (production manager).

Niccoló Palomba (Cinematography).

Claudia Nicosia and Roberto Micalizzi (editor).

Davide Melini (director).

Niccoló Palomba.

Andrea Mazziotti (grip), Davide Melini and...

Diego Prestopino (special effects) and Claudia Nicosia.

"Let me go" by 'The Talkatives'

Yesterday 'The Talkatives' - below in the picture - plaid in the 'Classic Rock Café' (Málaga).


The pub was full of people and I'm really proud to listen them playing, for the first time, "Let me go", a music that they have specifically written for the short... the truth is that the concert has been a success!!! Go to watch their video on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWC_OtBwmUY